A neutron bomb is a specially designed nucleus that releases a stream of high-energy neutrons while limiting the energy of the initial nuclear radiation, thermal radiation, and shock wave generated. Its purpose is to cause greater damage to personnel and relatively little damage to the material structure. The manufacture of a neutron bomb involves a highly complex nuclear physics and engineering implementation, a process that is extremely confidential and subject to strict international controls, and the following is an overview of the general principles:
1.Primary stage (detonating device):
The neutron bomb contains a small atomic bomb inside as a "trigger" or "primary". The design requirements for this atomic bomb were to be able to produce enough neutron and X-ray energy to initiate a secondary reaction.
2.Secondary stage (enhanced neutron output):
The secondary stage usually uses a mixture of deuterium-tritium (DT fuel) or other fusion materials, which uses neutrons and X-rays produced by the primary ** to undergo thermonuclear fusion reactions.
To optimize neutron output, parts of the secondary charge may be designed to contain lithium-6, which generates tritium when lithium captures the primary-produced neutrons, further facilitating fusion reactions and releasing neutrons in large quantities.
3.Reflective Layer and Neutron Generating Materials:
There is also a reflective layer inside the projectile that reflects the escaped neutron fusion region, increasing neutron production and reducing the conversion of energy to other forms such as X-rays and gamma rays.
Specially designed components such as beryllium or other neutron-generating materials may also be used to increase neutron flux.
4.Neutron absorption and shielding design:
In order to convert more of the energy into neutrons rather than intense thermal radiation and shock waves, the shell and internal structure of the neutron bomb need to be carefully designed to absorb or deflect unwanted energy.
5.Precision Engineering & Testing:
The manufacturing process requires a high degree of engineering precision, including micro-squib technology, precision metal fabrication, and high-energy physics experiments.
Once manufactured, it also needs to go through rigorous testing procedures to verify its performance and safety, which are severely limited under modern international legal frameworks.
Since neutron bomb technology is a sensitive military field, the above description is only a general introduction to the principle, and the specific manufacturing details and technical data are not within the scope of public information.